NY Governor May Be Leaning Toward Kennedy

Officials say the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy will be the governor's choice to fill the New York Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Two people close to Gov. David Paterson tell The Associated Press they believe Caroline Kennedy will be his choice, but the governor cautions he's still looking.

The New York Times reports that during a New Year's Day open house at the executive mansion, Paterson said "It ain't nothin' till I calls it." The quote recalls a statement once made by legendary baseball umpire Bill Klem.

Meantime, despite early reservations, New York state's most powerful legislative leader tells the New York Post he'll support Kennedy. State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he'll work for her election.

Paterson has sole authority to name a replacement for the next two years. Under state law, there would be an election to fill the last two years in 2010.